WEDNESDAYS #9 vs. JAGUARS:

(vol. 38W, no. 9; newsletter by h.s.)
The Jags apparently “didn't get the memo” that this was a Consolation game. In fact, the intensity and pace of this game had all the energy of a Game 7 with The Cup on the line.

The Jaguars, who boasted the League's second-worst regular-season record (2-5-1), came out gunning and jumped to a 3-0 lead within the first 5:00-minutes of play. Fortunately the Pirates were able to stay focused, pick up a goal, and keep the puck deep in the Jag zone to prevent further damage. The lone tally by Mike, who was playing on the all-Farrell defensive line with Marty (who wears his old Farrell jersey), cut the lead down to 3-1 by the end of the 1st period.

Russ would shatter his stick and the scorelessness of the final period when he beat the Jag goalie to cut their lead to only one; On the play, our Captain retrieved another stick from the bench after he broke his, and then wristed a shot past the keeper. Trotch, who was playing forward on this night, would score our third unanswered goal before the teams would exchange tallies (ours from Scott Miller) and head into overtime.

It looked like the puck was stuck on Marty's stick for most of the next shift as he zigged-and-zagged through the offensive zone. Although the Pirates threatened a few times during the 3:00-minute overtime, we had to settle for “kissing our sister” and the tie ... which, after trailing by three goals at one point, wasn't that bad.

I'd be neglectful if I didn't mention that this game featured the return of Gucci to the Pirate bench. His homecoming was highlighted by drama as he was sent sailing into the offensive boards (in true Wile E. Coyote fashion) during the opening minutes, after attempting to squeeze behind the Jag goalie and the net. Gucci was unharmed, but the dasherboard has seen better days.

FOR THE RECORD
Attendance (players): Bissey, Farrell, LeMatty, Maccanico, McLaughlin, Miller, Nicolosi, Trochiano, Gucci (sub). Net: Harris.
Scratches: Cassens, Matthews.
Scoring: 1st period: 3-1 Jaguars: Goal by Farrell (none). 3rd period: 4-4 tie: Goals by Nicolosi (Miller, Maccanico); Trochiano (none); Miller (Gucci). Overtime: 0-0 tie.
date of game: 8.05.09